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State must boost efforts to reduce tobacco use

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Since 2009, Ohio has earned the depressing distinction of being one of the few states, if not
the only state, with increased tobacco use.

Not surprisingly, this trend coincided with the state’s decision to stop funding for prevention
efforts in 2009, giving our home state the dubious honor of being dead-last in the nation for funds
committed to tobacco-prevention efforts. The negative side effects are evident; Ohio has dropped
from 23rd in the nation for nonsmokers in 2009 to 40th today.

As we all know by now, more smokers means more addiction, more disease and more personal and
societal expense. That’s why it’s crucial that Ohio lawmakers support Gov. John Kasich’s proposal
to spend $27 million from tobacco-settlement money over the next five years to encourage Ohioans to
quit smoking, in addition to his proposal to increase taxes on tobacco and e-cigarettes.

The health of our state and national economy, competitiveness in the global marketplace, and —
above all — the health of our citizens hinges on the elimination of tobacco dependence. We must not
stand for the unnecessary and preventable morbidity and mortality that is perpetuated by tobacco
products.

We urge legislators to uphold the governor’s proposal for use of the Master Settlement Agreement
funds. Kasich’s plan to return these funds to their original purpose offers hope that cessation and
prevention programs will resume and serve those most in need.

We recently celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the surgeon general’s first report on smoking;
while the strides made are impressive, they are not enough. More than one in five Ohio high school
students currently smoke, and 11,900 more will become daily smokers each year.

Big Tobacco continues its efforts to entice new generations to take up tobacco. In Ohio alone,
the tobacco industry spends more than $1 million per day on the marketing of its products.
Advertising campaigns with the likes of Joe Camel have been replaced with popular, sweet-flavored
cigars and e-cigarettes to target younger generations.

Lawmakers owe it to our children and the generations that follow to provide a healthy,
tobacco-free country. We urge all citizens to encourage their lawmakers to invest the tobacco
settlement money in the way it was originally intended.